4th International AIDS Conference Stockholm, Sweden. — June 12-16, 1988

Int Conf AIDS. 1988 Jun 12-16;4:1.107 (abstract no. PL7)

Hans Wigzell
Department of Immunology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.

Infection by HIV and immune reactions against HIV derived molecules can induce damage and death to the infected cells and also to other cells and tissues within the body.

The immune reactions may have dual effects allowing inhibition or enhancement of HIV replication = "good" and "bad" immune reactions may exist.

The gradual failure to maintain adequate CD4+ T cell numbers most likely involves regulatory mechanisms besides direct HIV-mediated effects. Some of these may be linked to age and sex of the individual.

The fact that HIV is using CD4, an essential molecule in many cellmediated immune reactions as its receptor puts extra strain on the immune system. The consequences as to cellular functions and specificity of anti-HIV antibodies being made seem manifold. Some may lead to molecular mimicry situations and could involve the immune system in both positive and negative ways.

Products from HIV infected cells of non-specific nature are probably involved in causing damage to innocent bystander cells.

880612
PL7

Copyright © 1988 - International AIDS Society (IAS). Reproduction of this abstract (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the IAS.